Fuki (Japanese butterbur) Petasites japonicus
Fuki (Japanese butterbur) (Petasites japonicus) is a deciduous perennial vegetable in the Asteraceae family, native to Japan, Korea, China and Sakhalin. It grows 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants shade and high water, and is hardy to about -29 °C (-20 °F). Space plants about 90 cm (35 in) apart.
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Fuki (Japanese butterbur) at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 90 cm (35 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance high |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -29 °C (-20 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: leaf stalks (boiled and peeled), flower buds (fuki-no-tō) |
| Native to | Japan, Korea, China and Sakhalin |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Fuki (Japanese butterbur) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: raw stalks, leaves, flower buds
Contains liver-damaging pyrrolizidine alkaloids; Japanese cooks parboil and soak the stalks to remove them. Eat only prepared, in moderation.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Fuki (Japanese butterbur)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and high water.
Questions about Fuki (Japanese butterbur)
- How far apart should I plant Fuki (Japanese butterbur)?
- About 90 cm (35 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
- Does Fuki (Japanese butterbur) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Fuki (Japanese butterbur) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance high.
- How cold-hardy is Fuki (Japanese butterbur)?
- It tolerates about -29 °C (-20 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Fuki (Japanese butterbur) flower?
- From about March for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Fuki (Japanese butterbur) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Contains liver-damaging pyrrolizidine alkaloids; Japanese cooks parboil and soak the stalks to remove them. Eat only prepared, in moderation.
- What grows well with Fuki (Japanese butterbur)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Fuki (Japanese butterbur). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Huge round leaves on long stalks along streams; pale flower buds push up in late winter before the leaves. Spreads widely by rhizomes, so give it room or a barrier.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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